Mirror staff reports:
Federal Way’s Centerstage Theatre presents “The Turn of the Screw” by Jeffrey Hatcher, based on the classic novella by Henry James.
The show, directed by Alan Bryce, runs Oct. 6 to Oct. 31, with a special performance on Halloween at Knutzen Family Theatre.
As the story goes, a young governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. But she is not their first governess. Her predecessor, Miss Jessel, drowned herself when she became pregnant by the sadistic valet, Peter Quint, who was himself found dead soon after. Now the new governess has begun to see the specters of Quint and Jessel haunting the children, and she must find a way to stop the fiends before it is too late. But one frightening question tortures the would-be heroine: Are the ghosts real, or are they the product of her own fevered imagination?
Jeffrey Hatcher’s lean and subtle adaptation has been widely acclaimed. The New York Times wrote: “A dazzling act of the imagination. Mr. Hatcher has pushed James’ clever turn to its furthest degree.” But this version offers unique challenges. While the role of the Governess is played by one actress, all the remaining roles — the Narrator, the Uncle, the aged housekeeper Mrs. Grose and 10-year-old Miles — are all played by one actor.
To meet this challenge, Centerstage has engaged two of Seattle’s most accomplished actors: Terry Edward Moore and Helen Harvester.
“The Turn of the Screw” is recommended for ages 14 and older, due to the nature of its content.
Tickets
Tickets are available at (253) 661-1444, online at www.centerstagetheatre.com, and in person at the Knutzen Family Theatre box office, 3200 SW Dash Point Road.
Single tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors and military. Centerstage is offering a special $10 ticket for anyone age 25 or younger.
There are performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Halloween party
A special Halloween show begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31.
A haunted house starts at 6:30 p.m. Patrons will receive free hors d’oeuvres and a scary hour before showtime. Audience members are encouraged to attend in costume, and everyone who does so will receive a $5 credit voucher to another Centerstage show.
